First Aid Seizures

Seizures

A seizure occurs when the electrical activity of the brain becomes irregular. When the electrical activity is severely irregular, the result may be a seizure. A seizure is a medical emergency. Seizures may be caused by either an acute or chronic condition such as epilepsy.

Risk Factors for Seizures:

Head trauma

Infections and malignant or benign tumors of the brain or spinal cord

Epilepsy

Stroke

Drug use or withdrawal

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Heat Stroke

Allergy

Fever in infants

Hypoglycemia or dehydration (lack of sufficient nutrition), and exposure to bright light can all trigger seizures in those who have epilepsy or are otherwise predisposed to them.
Often before a seizure occurs, the victim may feel an aura, which is an unusual sensation that typically precedes seizures. Auras may come in many forms, such as a strange taste in the mouth, tingling in the limbs, or the visual disturbance of “flashing lights”; often if the person is epileptic, they may be aware that a seizure is imminent and may tell others or sit or lie down to prevent injury.

Recognition

Typically seizures usually last no more than three minutes. Some common occurrences during a seizure include: Stopped or irregular breathing, body rigidness or convulsing, defecation, urination, and drooling.

Treatment

Don’t do this!

Never try to restrain person in seizure.

Never put anything in the mouth of the victim.

Never attempt to hold victim to stop their seizure, the victim is unaware that it is occurring and is unable to control it. Attempting to restrain an individual having a seizure may result in injuries. Do not attempt to stick anything into the victim’s mouth. Clear the surrounding area of objects around victim who is having a seizure.

In the event of a Status seizure being noticed, it is important to get Emergency help as quickly as possible – you should explain to call dispatcher that the patient is having a continuous seizure. These types of seizure can only be terminated by the administration (by trained EMS personnel or an MD)

Care for Seizures:

Call EMS or have someone call for you.

Move anything the victim can injure themselves with away from the victim such as chairs or other objects.

Gently support the victim’s head to prevent it from hitting the ground.

Request that all bystanders move away (persons having a seizure are often embarrassed after their seizure).

After the seizure has ended, roll the victim into the recovery position but only if you do not suspect a spinal injury.

After the seizure, the victim will slowly “awaken. The victim will be very tired after his seizure. Continue to reassure the victim until he or she is fully aware of the surroundings or until EMS arrives.